Application and efficacy of quetiapine in patients with high-risk factors for bipolar disorder: A randomized controlled trial.

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD), marked by recurring manic and depressive episodes, often coexists with anxiety disorder (AD), which increases treatment complexity and morbidity. Although quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, has demonstrated efficacy in treating BD and AD, further investigation is needed regarding its effectiveness and safety in patients with AD at high-risk factors for BD.

Aim: To explore the application and efficacy of quetiapine in combination therapy for patients with AD at high-risk factors for BD.

Methods: This study included 67 patients, with two excluded, leaving 65 divided into Group A (sertraline treatment) and Group B (combination treatment). All patients received sertraline, with Group B additionally receiving quetiapine. Efficacy was assessed using the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), and Bech-Rafaelsen Mania sale (BRMS) throughout the treatment period. Side effects and physiological indicators were also monitored.

Results: No significant baseline differences existed between the two groups at treatment onset. Over the treatment course, Group B exhibited significantly lower HAMA scores than Group A at the end of weeks 1 and 24. HAMD scores gradually decreased over time, with Group B consistently showing lower scores than Group A. BRMS scores decreased significantly from baseline by week 8. In Group A, 27.27% of patients received zolpidem treatment compared to 10.53% in Group B, which was a significant difference. Incidence of adverse reactions did not differ significantly between groups at treatment onset, but most patients experienced relief from adverse reactions within 4 weeks.

Conclusion: Combination of quetiapine and sertraline can more rapidly alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with AD at high-risk factors for BD, improving treatment outcomes.